Lewis, 54, has served as a head coach and an assistant coach in the NHL for the past 20 years following a 15-year playing career in the NHL, which included three seasons with the Kings (1979-83). This past season, he served as Boston’s Head Coach and compiled a 35-41-6 record. Previously he worked as a head coach (2002-04), associate coach (1996-02) and assistant coach (1988-96) with Detroit where he won three Stanley Cup championships in 1997, 1998 and 2002.

“This is a perfect fit for our staff as we were interested in Dave taking a similar role with the Kings last summer before he accepted the head coaching job with Boston,” said Crawford. “Dave brings to our coaching staff and to our hockey club a great deal of success and a tremendous amount of experience. He is a member of three Stanley Cup championship clubs as a coach and he played in more than 1,000 career games in the National Hockey League. Dave commands respect because he deserves respect, and he is really anxious to help get this team to be the best it can be. We’re excited to have Dave on board because as a former captain of the Kings, he’ll help us develop a strong tradition of Kings hockey.”

Following the 2002 season, Lewis was named as the Red Wings’ head coach following the retirement of Scotty Bowman and he led the club to two 48-win and 100-plus point seasons, and two Central Division titles. The Red Wings also captured the Presidents’ Trophy in 2003-04 with the League’s top record at 48-21-11-2 (109 points), and in 2005-06 he worked for the team as a professional scout. In all, Lewis has a career head coaching record of 131-82-33 (21 ties).

Prior to coaching, Lewis enjoyed a successful NHL career as a defenseman from 1973-88. He played for the Kings for three seasons and served as the club’s captain from 1981-83. He played in his 1,000th career game on April 1, 1987, while with Detroit and he retired on November 6, 1987, and then joined that team’s coaching staff.

The Toronto Maple Leafs may have a Swedish MAP line next season if everything works out well.

That is a line of Mats, Alex and Peter, as in Sundin, Steen and Forsberg.

Now, this is not set in stone with hieroglyphs into the walls of the ACC, but it is still within the realm of possibilities.

Not to stretch your interest too far, here is how I found out about this little gem. I wandered into the offices of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Ltd. and asked to see John Ferguson Jr., the resident general manager of the hockey team.

I was then ushered into young John's (he is 40 years old) private boardroom, a neatly furnished private boudoir adjacent to his office.

On the wall is a six-foot by four-foot photograph of the 1967 Stanley Cup winning Leaf team with autographs of the still-living players.

The GM told me that while he is not planning on going into the free-agent market, if conditions become favourable he could be interested in Peter Forsberg, the often injured Swedish warrior.

"As it stands now, we won't go into the free agent market," said John Jr.

"But things could change. We could be interested in Peter Forsberg if conditions are right.

However, in that case, we would have to make room for him in view of the cap situation."

THE OPTIMIST

With, or without the MAP Line, the Leafs GM is cautiously optimistic about the upcoming season.

As he says: "Our team has the necessary depth, but our players would have to show improvement in two areas -- offence and reduce the goals against statistics."

Ferguson is not concerned about the criticism he receives in certain areas.

It doesn't bother him. But it bothers his 10-year-old daughter Emily, his son Johnny, who'll be nine years old next month, and four-year-old daughter Grace.

His five-months-old boy Nicolas couldn't care less about what certain scribes dump on paper.

That's because other children at school needle the Ferguson youngsters that their father's contract is running out and they'd have to move to another city.

The MLSEL management could put an end to it by extending Fergie's contract.

With NHL training camps soon opening and the start of the 2007-08 season mere weeks away, here's a look at the players from each team whose names could appear in this season's trade-rumor mill.

We'll first look at the Eastern Conference teams and follow up on Wednesday with the Western Conference teams.

Atlanta Thrashers: Marian Hossa. GM Don Waddell hopes to re-sign Hossa, who's become an elite player since the club acquired him two years ago from the Ottawa Senators. He's eligible for UFA status next summer, and the longer Hossa goes unsigned by the February trade deadline the more he'll be mentioned as possible trade bait.

Boston Bruins: P.J. Axelsson. It's believed the Bruins tried to shop him to the Minnesota Wild as part of the deal for goaltender Manny Fernandez. Glen Murray's name is oft-mentioned as trade bait but his age, declining production and expensive contract makes him a tougher sell than Axelsson, a reliable two-way forward whose $1.85 million per season salary would be easier to move should the Bruins need to free up some cap space.

Buffalo Sabres: Jaroslav Spacek. His 2006-07 regular season numbers (6 goals, 21 points) were down significantly from the 43 points he had the previous season split between Chicago and Edmonton, and he generated no points in this year's playoffs. If his offensive numbers fail to improve the Sabres might consider shopping him.

Carolina Hurricanes: Erik Cole. GM Jim Rutherford denied a report during the draft weekend that had Cole as part of a potential three-way trade between the Hurricanes, Philadelphia Flyers and Edmonton Oilers. Rutherford claims Cole isn't available but that's not likely to keep the right winger's name out of the rumor mill, especially if the Hurricanes struggle as they did last season.

Florida Panthers: Olli Jokinen. For some reason Jokinen's name keeps popping up in trade speculation despite his stated happiness playing for the Panthers and their obvious desire to retain him. The underrated Jokinen is the Panthers' franchise player and a quiet leader who prefers to let his play do the talking. The Panthers won't move him, but that's not likely to silence the rumormongers.

Montreal Canadiens: Michael Ryder. Coming off consecutive 30-goal seasons, Ryder and the Habs avoided arbitration this summer when he agreed to a one-year contract for this season. He's eligible for unrestricted free agency in July and it's believed he could be shopped by the trade deadline if the Canadiens are out of the playoff race by that point.

New Jersey Devils: Patrik Elias. His name appeared early this summer in cyberspace trade chatter, but considering Elias last summer signed a lengthy and expensive contract with the Devils, he's probably not going anywhere. Still, if the Devils struggle this season, don't be surprised if his name crops up again in Internet trade speculation.

New York Islanders: Trent Hunter. He was awarded a one-year contract via arbitration this summer and is eligible for UFA status in July. Players who go through arbitration usually end up testing the free-agent market and Hunter, a two time 20-goal scorer, could do the same, especially if he should have a career season. That could provide incentive for the Isles to shop him later this season.

New York Rangers: Sean Avery. He was reportedly very upset during his arbitration hearing over the Rangers evaluation of his performance last season, which doesn't bode well for the temperamental Avery remaining a Blueshirt when next summer's UFA market opens. If the Rangers should struggle this season Avery might become trade bait.

Ottawa Senators: Wade Redden. The Senators tried to trade him during the draft weekend but Redden exercised his no-trade clause to prevent it. He's since spoken like a player who has no intention of letting the Senators move him, but that's not likely to keep his name out of the trade rumors this upcoming season.

Philadelphia Flyers: Denis Gauthier and R.J. Umberger. Their names were mentioned as potential trade bait amid rampant speculation the Flyers might try to bring back Peter Forsberg later this season. Even if Forsberg doesn't return to Philadelphia, expect Gauthier and Umberger to be frequently mentioned this season in any Flyers trade rumors.

Pittsburgh Penguins: Ryan Malone. He's been a fixture in the rumor mill for the past two seasons, but GM Ray Shero stuck by Malone last season in hopes he'd regain his scoring touch. Injuries hampered Malone's production last year and if he stays healthy could be on pace for his best season to date. If he struggles, however, he'll be considered a potential trade candidate.

Tampa Bay Lightning: Marc Denis. Forget the ridiculous trade rumors involving Vincent Lecavalier, Martin St. Louis and Brad Richards. The guy to watch this season in Tampa Bay is Denis, who was acquired from Columbus last season to be the Lightning's starting goaltender but struggled throughout and lost his job to backup Johan Holmqvist. GM Jay Feaster recently said Denis would either play himself this season into the starter's role, into the minors or into a trade.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Mats Sundin. His name appeared in trade rumors midway through last season when it became apparent the Leafs might not make the playoffs. Sundin claims he wants to finish his career in Toronto but the local media seems to feel he would welcome a trade to a Cup contender should the Leafs fall out of the playoff race by February. The fact he's on a one-year contract this season should keep Sundin's name in the rumor mill.

Washington Capitals: Olaf Kolzig. It seems unthinkable that this long-time Capitals netminder might be dealt, but he's in the final year of his current contract and that's likely to lead to trade speculation, particularly if the Caps aren't in playoff contention by mid-season. For playoff-bound teams seeking an experienced goaltender, Kolzig could look pretty good by the February trade deadline.

San Jose Sharks Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson announced today that the club has signed Group III unrestricted free agent center Jeremy Roenick to a one-year contract.

“Jeremy Roenick is a tremendous competitor and he has a great love for the game of hockey,” said Wilson. “We feel he can add something to our talented group of players on our club and we feel that this is an environment where Jeremy can be successful.”

Roenick spent the 2006-07 season with the Phoenix Coyotes, where he was tied-for-fifth on the team in scoring with 28 points (11 goals, 17 assists).

“I’m very thankful for this opportunity to play for the San Jose Sharks,” said Roenick. “They have a great team and I look forward to helping this group compete for the Stanley Cup.”

The nine-time NHL All-Star enters the 2007-08 season just five goals shy of 500 and would become just the third U.S.-born player to achieve the feat (Joe Mullen and Mike Modano).

In 1252 NHL games with Chicago, Phoenix, Philadelphia and Los Angeles, Roenick has posted 1170 points (495 goals, 675 assists), along with 1413 penalty minutes and a +162 plus/minus rating.

Among all players in NHL history, Roenick ranks in the top 50 in goals (41st) and points (T-44th) and is 51st in assists.

All-time among all U.S.-born players, Roenick ranks third in points, third in goals and fifth in assists. He is the only player in NHL history to lead his team in goals, assists, points and penalty minutes in two different seasons (1999-00, 2000-01 with Phoenix).

Roenick, 37, was originally selected in the first round (8th overall) in 1988 NHL Entry Draft by Chicago.

The Carolina Hurricanes named the former all-star netminder director of goaltender development Friday, a role that will see the 42-year-old Barrasso work with all of the goalies in the team's minor-league system.

"Tom brings instant credibility to his new position, and is somebody that the goaltenders in our system will be able to respect and learn from," Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford said in a statement. "He has re-located his family to Raleigh and we are happy that he has chosen to continue his life in hockey with our organization."

Barrasso retired from hockey in 2003 after an 18-year NHL career. He was 369-277-86 with a 3.24 goals-against average and 38 shutouts with Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Ottawa, Carolina, Toronto and St. Louis. He captured two Stanley Cups with the Penguins in 1991 and '92.

''Ian has been an instrumental part of this club's success on and off the ice,'' said Avalanche executive vice president and general manager Francois Giguere. ''As an assistant captain, he provides a strong quality of leadership to our team.''

The 33-year-old Laperriere is coming off a 29-point season (8 goals, 21 assists) a year ago, his second-best point tally behind his first season in Colorado when he recorded career-highs in goals (21), assists (24) and points (45). During the 2006-07 campaign, Laperriere led all Avs forwards in hits (85) while leading the club in fighting majors (17), tied for second in the NHL.

During his two year stint in Colorado, Laperriere has missed only one game.

''Ian has been an instrumental part of this club's success on and off the ice,'' said Avalanche executive vice president and general manager Francois Giguere. ''As an assistant captain, he provides a strong quality of leadership to our team.''

The 33-year-old Laperriere is coming off a 29-point season (8 goals, 21 assists) a year ago, his second-best point tally behind his first season in Colorado when he recorded career-highs in goals (21), assists (24) and points (45). During the 2006-07 campaign, Laperriere led all Avs forwards in hits (85) while leading the club in fighting majors (17), tied for second in the NHL.

During his two year stint in Colorado, Laperriere has missed only one game.

Hopefully they keep someone else on the roster who will drop the gloves. I thought that Lappy's role as the team's de facto tough guy really affected his offensive output.

i'm telling you- he didn't do much as far as dropping the gloves for the pens

He didn't play in very many games for the Pens last year either. You might not think much of him, but guys like Crosby, Malkin, and Staal will be thankful he's on the roster for an entire season. There's still a place for tough guys in the NHL, and Laraque is the best.

He didn't play in very many games for the Pens last year either. You might not think much of him, but guys like Crosby, Malkin, and Staal will be thankful he's on the roster for an entire season. There's still a place for tough guys in the NHL, and Laraque is the best.

Who would you rather have looking out for the Pens' young studs?

Someone that would have done more than like dropping the glove 3 times - he got scratched cuz he wasn't doing what he was to do. Brooks was more of an enforcer (not the fighting part, just f'ing everyone else up) than Georgie was.

Avalanche defenseman John-Michael Liles models a a new home jersey during a news conference this morning at the Pepsi Center. "From a performance standpoint, players will definitely notice an improvement," Liles said of the sleeker, more form-fitting jerseys. "In the later stages of a game, especially, the uniforms will help keep players fresh."

I know. They traded for him after Lappy's what...14th or 15th fight? I think if you go far enough back on this thread you'll see I was one poster who thought it was a great trade for the Avs in bringing him back.

However, for a tough guy "The Sheriff" is hurt a lot...ergo...I was explaining to Pens fan that I'd gladly trade Parker for Laraque...as Pens fan apparently doesn't think Laraque is tough enough.

I know. They traded for him after Lappy's what...14th or 15th fight? I think if you go far enough back on this thread you'll see I was one poster who thought it was a great trade for the Avs in bringing him back.

However, for a tough guy "The Sheriff" is hurt a lot...ergo...I was explaining to Pens fan that I'd gladly trade Parker for Laraque...as Pens fan apparently doesn't think Laraque is tough enough.

that's not what i said you jackass. I said laraque didn't fight as much as he could have when crosby, et all were getting the snot kicked out of 'em. That's why he got scratched. Get your facts straight before running your mouth.

that's not what i said you jackass. I said laraque didn't fight as much as he could have when crosby, et all were getting the snot kicked out of 'em. That's why he got scratched. Get your facts straight before running your mouth.